Spain & Bordeaux

La Rioja to San Sebastian via Navarra

This morning after check out, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on the road towards San Sebastian.

En route, take take a detour to the winegrowing area of Navarra. Traditionally associated with the production of crisp, fruit-driven rosé, Navarra is beginning to attract attention for its high-quality red wines made mainly from the Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.

Enjoy a visit and tasting at an estate such as Pago de Larrainzar. The vineyard is the soul of the Bodega with Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha, from different clones and stocks, making up the vineyard’s 13 hectares of stone and pebbles, clay and sand.

Next, you will be welcomed at Bodega Otazu, or similar. Located in an idyllic setting not far from Pamplona, the winemaking tradition here dates to the Middle Ages. Its extraordinary masterpieces of contemporary art highlight the natural beauty of a vineyard certified with the highest category in Spain: Protected DO Pago wines. Enjoy a tour of the Bodega and tasting of their wines.

After your visit, you will be brought to the unviserity town of Pamplona for lunch at a local restaurant. With its grand cathedral, archaeological treasures and 16th-century fortifications, there’s much history hidden in these atmospheric medieval lanes. And with its lush parks and picturesque city centre full of vibrant eating and drinking spots, it’s easy to see why so many – Hemingway included – have fallen under Pamplona’s spell.

Later this afternoon, your guide will deliver you to your hotel in San Sebastian for check in.

Additional Options for Day 2

Hotel San Sebastian Orly - Double Room

Hotel San Sebastian Orly, affiliated by Meliá, is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of San Sebastian between the stunning beaches of La Concha and Zurriola. The rooms and suites are meticulously appointed with plush furnishings, premium bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities. Each room exudes a sense of sophistication and offers stunning views of the city or the nearby coastline.  There is an on-site restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience, serving a fusion of international and local cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients.  Additionally, there is a hotel bar, a wellness center and spa, fitness studio, and indoor pool.

Hotel Londres - Classic Sea View Room

Hotel Londres has been welcoming guests to San Sebastian for more than 150 years. The walls and luxury rooms still reflect the shine of the Belle Époque, although every year the property evolves and adapts to the new needs and comforts that guests require. The Hotel's luxury rooms, which combine the architecture of a golden age with modern and comfortable finishes, guarantee you a perfect place to relax and rest in San Sebastian with the sound of the Cantabrian Sea. The historic and restored rooms overlooking the bay of La Concha in San Sebastian provide you with the perfect setting for organising all kinds of celebrations and events.

Hotel Maria Cristina - Deluxe Room with Garden View

Since it opened in 1912, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel has been intimately linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian. In the late 19th century the seaside town on the southern point of the Bay of Biscay became a favorite destination for royalty and aristocrats who came to enjoy the sunshine and newly recognized therapeutic properties of sea bathing. The luxury suites at the exclusive Hotel Maria Cristina, are designed in a Belle Époque architecture which provides guests with maximum comfort. The suites’ contemporary decoration, with marble fireplaces, glass lamps and velvet turquoise arm chairs, come together with shades of grey, beige and green to give the rooms an exquisite elegance.

San Sebastian at Leisure

Today is yours to explore San Sebastian as you please. Visit one of the three beaches of the city and relax on the beautiful shorelines, or enjoy a stroll along the gorgeous promenade to have a look at the local shops. You could also take the antique funicular railway up to Monte Igueldo on the west side of town for an amazing panoramic view of the area. If you want to go even higher, climb up to the 16th century El Torreon tower for a 360 degree view and breathtaking photos.

San Sebastian Tapas Tour

This evening, join your local guide for a small group tour tasting the best tapas in town. You will find Pintxos (Basque tapas) line every bar in San Sebastian’s famed Old Town, but knowing where to find the best ones is an art. While it’s hard to have a bad meal in town, knowing exactly where to go for the best, and most exciting pintxos takes local, insider knowledge. Do this afternoon in San Sebastian like a local, led by our friendly and knowledgeable Basque guides.

We dive straight into the culinary heart of the city for an afternoon of eating and drinking. From fresh prawns to line-caught baby squid to perfectly charred steak, the pintxo hunt changes daily but always features a range of traditional spots and chic, avant-garde bars. Come thirsty, too, as we’ll be pairing each pintxo with the perfect pour, from cider to local whites and reds.

Overnight at your hotel.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station to catch your connecting train.

Rail Journey - Hendaye to Bordeaux
2x Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Bordeaux! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in St. Emilion to check in.

Spend the rest of your day relaxing at your hotel property, or set out to discover your new surroundings.

Additional Options for Day 4

San Sebastian to Bordeaux via French Basque

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver and set out North together, crossing into France with some special visits along the way and later continuing towards the Wine Capital of the World, Bordeaux.

The Basque Country is famous for its beaches and modern architecture and for its passionate natives. Today set out explore the lesser-known French side of this area. The region has its own special spice, mingling Basque and French influences with beautiful rolling countryside and a gorgeous coastline.

Stop at the quaint seaside retreat Saint Jean de Luz in the French Pays Basque. Take a stroll through the atmospheric narrow streets and along the lively harbour filled with fishing boats.

Continue to Biarritz for time to explore on your own and where a lunch reservation will be made at one of the top restaurants in town(to be paid directly). Biarritz is known for its famous beaches, therapeutic water and a thriving surf scene, offering visitors a unique atmosphere. This is a place were high end restaurants and spas live harmoniously side-by-side with laid-back pizza joints and surf shops.

You will be delivered to your accommodations in San Sebastian in the late afternoon for check in.

Château Fage - Forrest View

A few kilometers from Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion in New Aquitaine, Château Fage invites you on a getaway in a haven of nature. In the heart of 40 hectares of vines and as many forests, this family home with a warm atmosphere welcomes travelers in search of peace and quiet. Guillaume Sevellec and his teams welcome their guests to this exceptional place for a wine, gastronomy and nature country break. The "La Maison des Vignes" restaurant is the perfect address to revel in the contact with authentic regional produce straight from the land. The chef's menu places the emphasis on traditional dishes, naturally accompanied by succulent local nectars.

Hotel Au Logis Des Remparts - Double Prestige (garden view)

Welcome to Logis des Remparts in Saint-Emilion, a world heritage site. This enchanting hotel lies in the center of the medieval city, close to the restaurants, the shops, the exhibitions and the town of Bordeaux. All the factors for a very nice stay are brought together here. Comfortable standard rooms or suites with air-conditioning and soundproofing in a charming setting.  A magnificent wooded grounds and a beautiful swimming pool on the fortified ramparts of the village. The pool is strictly reserved for guests who reside in the hotel. Shaded patios resplendent with flowers where you can enjoy a breakfast. 

Chateau Fombrauge - Classic Room

Château Fombrauge is a historic winery in St. Emilion which offers a selection of 5 suites within the estate for visitors who wish to experience the ambiance of the château and its surroundings.  The property is surrounded by vineyards and the suites are decorated in with beautiful fabrics which enhance the traditional French elegance. 

Right Bank Discovery - Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

After breakfast this morning, you will be joined by your expert wine guide for a day in the vineyards of Saint Emilion and Pomerol.

We begin the day with a visit at Château de Ferrand for a 6 wine vertical tasting and food pairing with a sommelier. The history of Château de Ferrand dates back to the 17th century and was forged in the grand tradition of the Bordeaux wine-growing estates, those that helped the region gain its illustrious reputation. One of the oldest and most consistent estates in Saint-Emilion, in 300 years Château de Ferrand has belonged to just two families; that of Elie de Bétoulaud, who passed the estate down to his descendant the Marquis de Mons and his heirs, and that of Baron Bich, founder of the famous Bic company. Nowadays the estate is managed by Pauline Bich Chandon-Moët, with help from her husband Philippe Chandon-Moët. Here, visit the magnificent estate, explore the superb architecture and the historic Grottes de Ferrand caves, famous since the reign of Louis XIV.

Next, we make our way to another esteemed estate, Château Taillefer, an 18th century wine estate known for producing some of the world's finest and most sought-after wines. It was the first property purchased by the Moueix dynasty, in 1923 and still remains in the family today. The terroir is sand and gravel with deposits of iron in the soils. In fact, the iron in the soil is where the estate found the inspiration for its name, as Taillefer comes from the phrase to cut iron, which is a reference to the iron in the terroir.

There will be time to stop and enjoy lunch (to be paid directly) today at a local restaurant such as La Table de Catusseau, a winegrower bistronomy in the middle of the Pomerol vines.

Afterwards, you will visit a third producer such as Château La Dominique, or similar, to taste their elegant red wines, ranked as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. The estate blends traditional charm with contemporary elegance, boasting a modern winery and visitor center designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel. The vineyards of Château la Dominique produce top-quality wines that embody the essence of the region.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your charming day.

Graves Wine Taster

After check out, you will be joined by your private driver-guide today for a half day exploration of the wines of Graves.

Today, you will be welcomed at a producer such as Château La Garde for a guided tasting of 7 wines, including their top wine. Here is a love story that commenced in 1990, when we simply could not resist the exceptional quality of the terroir, arguably one of the finest gravel outcrops in the Pessac-Leognan appellation. The 2021 vintage saw the inauguration of new winemaking facilities at Château La Garde. Adapted specifically to handle the unique mosaic of soils, the winery is instrumental in creating a Pessac-Leognan grand vin: elegant, pure and highly distinctive.

Next, we will make our way to Château Latour Martillac, a prestigious winery located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation for a private tasting of 3 wines and a picnic lunch. This historic estate dates back several centuries and is renowned for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The estate takes its name from the tower standing in the main courtyard, which is the remnant of a fort built in the 12th century and stones of the fort were used to build the existing property. The vineyards of Château Latour Martillac are meticulously cultivated, producing grapes that yield rich, complex, and age-worthy wines. Explore the Graves terroir and discover all the secrets behind the elaboration of the white and red wines of the estate.

For the last visit of the day, come through the doors of Château Haut-Bailly, or similar, for a private tasting. Château Haut-Bailly’s proud position tells a tale of enduring good fortune, perched atop the gentle slopes of Bordeaux's historic Graves region. Ancient archives prove that from as early as 1461 these lands were already recognized as excellent for the cultivation of vines. Confidence and respect for the quality of Haut-Bailly's fruit demands gentleness and minimal intervention in the winery to nurture wines of purity, charm and precision. Each subplot is harvested ‘à la carte’ to ensure that early-ripening Merlot and late-ripening Cabernet are picked in their most perfect state. Technology is placed at the service of mother nature to add precision and reduce compromise.

You will be brought to your accommodations to check in at the end of your day.

The Great Cabernets of the Medoc

After breakfast this morning, meet your private wine guide at your accommodations and depart for an exquisite day of tastings in the Médoc.

Begin the morning at the renowned Marquis d'Alesme, a picturesque estate located in the Margaux appellation with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It showcases a stunning château building with distinct architectural features and was classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a testament to its quality and reputation. The wines reflect the classic characteristics of the Margaux appellation through their finesse, balance, and refined structure. They often display a beautiful aromatic profile, with notes of ripe dark fruits, cassis, violets, spices, and subtle oak influences. The wines of Marquis d'Alesme typically exhibit excellent aging potential, evolving gracefully over time.

Afterwards, you will be served a traditional lunch in their wonderful restaurant (to be paid directly).

Next, make your way to La Tour Carnet, a prestigious estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation for a blending workshop. La Tour Carnet has a long history that dates back over 800 years, making it one of the oldest castles in the Médoc. Bernard Magrez acquires the estate in 2000 and is the sole owner of 4 Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux, including Château Pape Clément (Grand Cru Classé de Graves), Château Fombrauge (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru) and Clos Haut Peyraguey (Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855 in Sauternes). A research and development program was created on the property, which includes a unique scientific collection of 75 grape varieties, dedicated to the study of the influence of global warming on the maturity and the grape ripening.

End the day with a spectacular visit at a renowned estate, Château Gruaud Larose for a macaron pairing and tasting. Another one of the 15 exclusive 2nd growth properties, this winery is based in the Saint Julien appellation. The notion of terroir binds geology and climate together. The largest concentration of Grand Cru Wines is in the Medoc, an area which benefits from a microclimate that is particularly favorable for the expression of the vine. Since its creation, in 1725, four families have succeeded one another at the head of Gruaud Larose: the Gruaud and Larose families, the Balguerie and Sarget families, the Cordier family and the Merlaut family. This family attachment has been passed on to the employees who often work at the chateau from father to son and from mother to daughter.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your charming day in the vineyards.

Arcachon Bay with Pinasse and Oyster Tasting

This morning, you will be met by your private guide at your accommodations after breakfast and set out towards today’s destination: The Bay of Arcachon.

The Bay of Arcachon is an interior sea with a small opening to the Atlantic, backed by a pine tree forest. A mild climate, beaches and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Embark on a private tour around Bassin d'Arcachon aboard a classic pinasse boat, including a special tasting at an oyster farm.

The Bay opens up to the Atlantic Ocean and houses a small inland sea of about 155 km² at high tide where people farm oysters or go fishing, boating and swimming for fun. Stop in one of the typical oyster villages with its narrow streets and its oyster huts: perhaps taste oysters paired with a glass of local white wine!

Following our boat ride, there will be time for shopping and leisurely self-guided discovery in Arcachon. We will also arrange for a lunch reservation at a trendy restaurant in town (to be paid directly).

Before returning to Bordeaux, take a stroll through the winter town of Arcachon with its astonishing 19th century villas or climb the Pyla Dune, the highest sand dune in Europe, for a magnificent view of the bay and the ocean.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the Bordeaux airport for your departing flight to Madrid.